Facility for Disabling Magazine Release of a Firearm

ABSTRACT

A frame defines a magazine receptacle adapted to receive a removable magazine. The frame defines a first passage receiving a magazine release latch movable between a latched position and a released position. The frame defines a second passage intersecting the first passage and receiving an elongated block element movable between a blocking position in which the block element extends into the first passage to prevent movement of the magazine release latch to the released position, and an unblocked position in which the block element is clear of the first passage to enable movement of the magazine release latch to the released position. The second passage has an opening away from the first passage at a selected surface of the frame abutting a removable upper receiver. The block element protrudes from the selected surface when in the unblocked position to enable operation of the magazine release latch when the upper receiver is away from the frame, and the block element has a selected length adapted to block the latch element when the upper receiver abuts the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/442,506 filed on Jan. 5, 2017, entitled Facility for Disabling Magazine Release of a Firearm, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Due to recent CA law, a “bullet button” type magazine release is no longer legal for an otherwise “assault weapon” to be configured a “rifle” or “pistol”. Therefore there is a need for a method to require the user to “disassemble” the firearm action to remove a fixed magazine from the rifle receiver. Furthermore, it is desirable for the option to disable the compliant method when traveling to a non-restrictive territory.

The system consists of a unique hole positioned in the lower receiver that accepts a spring loaded locking pin or pins. This pin interferes with a standard magazine release mechanism but only when the upper receiver is fully assembled onto the lower receiver. Spring tension raises the pin when the upper receiver is disassembled from the lower receiver thus allowing normal function of a standard magazine release mechanism.

It is important to note that this not only can be a modification to existing receivers but also a revision to factory new receivers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows upper receiver in the open (disassembled) position and the locking pin retracted. In this configuration, the magazine release button will operate normally.

FIG. 2 shows upper receiver in the closed (assembled) position with the locking pin compressed. For demonstration, the magazine release button is removed in the image to expose the tip of the locking pin. In this configuration, the function of the magazine release button is blocked since the locking pin extends into the magazine release button bore directly behind the magazine release button.

FIG. 3 shows a cutaway view of locking pin and spring retracted.

FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of locking pin and spring retracted with upper receiver surface.

FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of locking pin and spring compressed by contact with upper receiver.

FIG. 6 shows transparently the action open and locking pin retracted.

FIG. 7 shows a picture of lower receiver with upper receiver removed showing exposed portion of locking pin.

FIG. 8 shows a picture of locking pin and spring removed.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative method is a solid pin(s) attached to the upper receiver, no spring required.

FIG. 10 shows a concept drawing of a Jig that would allow an individual with modest machining skills to drill their own receiver at home. Body could be made from any material but low cost of plastic preferred. The jig could locate on any receiver detail(s) but the standard action assembly (take-down) pins preferred. Drill can be a special step drill (one operation) or two drills of different diameters could be utilized with the change out of two corresponding bushing diameters (two operations). The jig can control not only acceptable location but also acceptable depth with the inclusion of a drill bit depth stop. 

The claimed invention is:
 1. A firearm comprising: A frame defining a magazine receptacle adapted to receive a removable magazine; the frame defining a first passage receiving a magazine release latch movable between a latched position and a released position; the frame defining a second passage intersecting the first passage and receiving an elongated block element movable between a blocking position in which the block element extends into the first passage to prevent movement of the magazine release latch to the released position, and an unblocked position in which the block element is clear of the first passage to enable movement of the magazine release latch to the released position; the second passage having an opening away from the first passage at a selected surface of the frame abutting a removable upper receiver; The block element protruding from the selected surface when in the unblocked position to enable operation of the magazine release latch when the upper receiver is away from the frame, and the block element having a selected length adapted to block the latch element when the upper receiver abuts the frame. 